Hedges

I like to hedge my bets, cap the risk.  I want the maximum upside with the least downside.  Some think of it as having the good and the bad, both at the limits, with no repercussions; a life full of great ice cream, wonderful pie, and awesome coffee that magically provides great nutrients, food balance, and life sustaining sustenance.  I do not approach it that way.  I try to maximize the upside while eliminating any loss.
 
This particular approach often spills over into every part of life.  I turn right to go to the subway from the New York apartment partially because I know I will get a gentle good morning and great cup of coffee when I stop by and see Jordan.  I find myself taking a particular way home in Redlands because of the peaceful views it affords me.  Purchases, choices, and decisions all pivot on how many different ways I find positive outcomes.  I want to maximize my upside while avoiding idle time with no benefits.
 
Ironically, the process does not stop with simple choices.  I construct ideas and paradigms that I can view and use in multiple ways.  Metaphorically, the story of the wood worker rings true in my life.  “He first cuts down a cedar, or maybe picks out a pine or oak, and lets it grow strong in the forest, nourished by the rain.  Then it can serve a double purpose: Part he uses as firewood for keeping warm and baking bread; from the other part he makes a god that he worships—carves it into a god shape and prays before it.”  (Isaiah 44.14, 15) 
 
It is a great approach!  Even if I am wrong, I get a great meal out of it and stay warm in the interim.  Everything takes a step forward, or does it? 
 
We do not need to economize every choice.  The greatest choices in life are just that.  We choose our life partner without a safety net.  We love our children without reservation.  We believe in our God while letter go of our self/gods.